The following write-up is in no way intended to incite violence, tribalism or provoke any group(s). This is in-line with the UN charter (1945) Article 1 Chapter 1 in support of self-determination by any people and the UDHR Article 19 which accords every human being with the freedom of speech and expression.
MISCONCEPTIONS ON BIAFRA
“A warrior is not defined by his strength or skill but conviction to die for his cause.” The poorly represented populace of the South-East have as a consensus expressed, through various means their deep desire to seek a nationality outside the status quo. I hereby boldly reaffirm my commitment to the actualization of Biafra; God willing in my lifetime.
In light of current events; on behalf of my fellow compatriots I want to use this post to admonish and dismiss some misconceptions raised on the issue of Biafra which I hope will bridge the understanding for all parties.
My views outlined below may not be popular with my fellow biafrans nevertheless it holds the innate and progressive truth. Here listed:
1. Secession doesn’t translate to War in any Language
Secession is neither a declaration of war or threat. It is just another step in the process of conflict resolution. Any group that tries to demonize with imaginary blood is either a parasite or trouble maker which no one wishes to admit.
Biafrans don’t possess destructive tendencies, any violent outburst is only a natural response to the apparent chokehold by the government on opined throats of freedom seekers.
If I were to be a westerner I would tag this a “black-man clause” because the westerners and asians alike who we borrowed modern civilization from have provided successful cases of secession experiments yet some of us choose to be blind.
Fortunately, in our case we have a softer dispute. Unlike the Israel-Palestine, Sudan or Arab conflicts, our dispute at this stage doesn’t stem from land ownership conflict, resource tussle, etc. All that is involved euphemistically speaking can be likened to a change of governments, change of sovereignty, names, flags etc. Nothing fundamentally sophisticated, so why has the Federal Government of Nigeria chosen to shed the blood of numerous innocent Biafrans if it has not been hijacked by private interest?
2. The South-South is completely Dispensable
I still want to believe BIAFRA is not an Igbo exclusive Project hence I earlier avoided generalizing Biafrans as Igbos, now diversity and individuality has knocked and we have to answer. I have an Igbo Father, an Urhobo Mother. I was born and brought up in Anambra State. Aside paternal relation, I identify strictly as Igbo due to affinity.
The South-South has been synonymous to Igbos for a long while until recently when identity politics became a criteria for political representation in Nigeria which is justifiable in the context of the prevalent nepotic culture. Mutual grounds hasn’t mitigated the widening divide in any way.
We have witnessed biological twins break ties talk less of loose ethnic groups with stints of bad blood in between. It won’t come as a shock if tomorrow a section of Southeast seeks out of the Biafran Plan.
It has become a paradoxical joke that the Igbos who seek freedom from Nigeria have themselves become unity beggars. I won’t agree, we are not and will never be beggars. We were not the ones who claimed abandoned properties in the aftermath of the war. Left with 20 pounds, did we succumb to their impoverishing intent? No. Blessed with natural, human and capital resources we are not left bare, fortunately our “oil” has not become our only bragging right in Nigeria and beyond.
Why then should we begin belittling ourselves , even to the extent of exchanging slurs with these groups, how convincing can our insult be? Will we become what we fight against?
I charge every Igbo to take rejection as a motivation to outperform objectives and expectations, let their denigration revert to praise as was with our bounce back from the war.
To our South-South brethren don’t let the Nigerian Model confine your understanding of governance. Switzerland is a country of at least 7 major ethnic groups (Including groups of Italian, German and French extractions) each represented by a president (7 equal presidents called a Federal Executive Council) unlike a single president whose loyalty might be ambiguous. Just a peek of what a true federal state means for equal representation. Humans are intelligent enough to negotiate. Ya Gazie. “Better a familiar devil than a strange angel”.
3. Landlocked not Brain Locked.
“The worst defeat is of the Mind”
Once again, I point to the Swiss Model. Switzerland is a completely landlocked country in Europe. 22 times smaller than Nigeria and is not resource rich. Yet, Switzerland is the world’s largest commodities trading hub. It controls 35%, 60%, 50% of global Oil, Metals and Sugar & Cereals trade respectively. How is this possible? Excluding gold, the commodities most of which not sourced from Europe never physically enter Switzerland but are transported directly from producing country, processing and entrepot down to final consumer by Swiss companies and their foreign subsidiaries.
In 19th century, the Rothschild family established the first international banking network in Europe, they executed international transactions for royals and merchants without moving physical coins. They achieved this when each brother established a branch of the bank in major economic hubs in Europe, when a transfer is made, the recipient branch records in his ledger that his brother’s branch owes him an amount, when convenient they settle accounts. This practice pioneered an industry, established their influence in Europe and saved them from highway robberies and non-credible partners.
Bringing this back home, God willing, Biafra will not be limited by a coastline. That narrative should be squashed in the mind of every naysayer. Yes, some would say statically, it would take a miracle for a landlocked nation to become an economic hit nevertheless we still believe in the God of 20 pounds from1971 shortly before the indigenization policy where Biafrans were tactically excluded while the rest of Nigeria exclusively scooped up the wealth which Biafrans played a significant role in building . Your expectations are yours and can't stop us.
We have looked inwards enough, I believe it is time to look outwards. If we can be threatened close to home by neighbors, then it’s time to forge alliances and networks far from home. The market is now globalized and broad and we are up to the task. God willing it, lack of opportunities in Nigeria gave us the largest diaspora community from Nigeria. We have a wide distribution of our compatriots around the world right from the hinterlands of Africa to developed economies. A good proportion of which are entrepreneurs rather than domestic workers having enough capital base to make an impact.
Africa is the last frontier. Let’s grow with it. Let’s discard our notorious characteristics, becoming better guests and build on our already established foundational networks by consolidating our wealth for greater impact. A single Axe Head is more effective than a thousand cutlery knives.
Slowly, we’ll liquidate, drain and divert our wealth held in Nigeria. Then and only will our elite be independent of the government’s persecution pressure. Subsequently, political interests will align with the masses then freedom is definitely near.
4. BIAFRA is not a Mission of Hate, Rancor or Supremacy
We are humans too with flesh and blood. No true Biafran can claim supremacy over any tribe, group or entity. We can’t claim Biafra will eventually become a heaven on earth rather it will be easier to bend our own government to our will, such attempt in Nigeria will be seen as an imperialist move.
We also can’t claim to be infallible, perfect or saints. In the past, we made mistakes and miscalculations, which we will be wrong not to admit. Critics say we are the architects of our misfortune, yes we concede but note, the last you should expect is to remain on the ground for people to mock and scorn us. If you feel offended, on behalf of my compatriots I and other well- meaning Biafrans apologize.
The bitter atmosphere is only reflective of the times, desperation and anxiety gets the better of most.
Fellow Biafrans, every step forward should be corrective and calculative in every sense of the word. We are not separating because we hate Fulani, Muslims or any other group, presidency denial or any secondary interest.
We shouldn’t misinterpret the struggle because tomorrow Buhari will leave office, an Igbo can be foisted as Head of State. What next? Rather we secede for the sole sake of Autonomy. We should be able forge our own path and to decide our fate without consulting or patronizing anyone. That is the only way to actualize our maximum potentials.
Let’s prioritize our freedom over miniscule benefits Nigeria might seem to offer.
Look around you today, do you sense hope or despair? Inflation in all sectors especially Food sector, Ardent Corruption, Astronomical Foreign Debt, Negligence and Apathy, Insecurity, Victimization of our People, Marginalization, and widespread Secessionist sentiments. Does it sound like a budding nation bound to thrive or a Worn-Out Contraption rigged to blow. Our Commitment needs to be deeper and our Efforts greater. Salvation is near. If we relent in times of persecution our faith is small. God Wills It and It shall be.
Chigator: [s]The following write-up is in no way intended to incite violence, tribalism or provoke any group(s). This is in-line with the UN charter (1945) Article 1 Chapter 1 in support of self-determination by any people and the UDHR Article 19 which accords every human being with the freedom of speech and expression.
MISCONCEPTIONS ON BIAFRA
“A warrior is not defined by his strength or skill but conviction to die for his cause.” The poorly represented populace of the South-East have as a consensus expressed, through various means their deep desire to seek a nationality outside the status quo. I hereby boldly reaffirm my commitment to the actualization of Biafra; God willing in my lifetime.
In light of current events; on behalf of my fellow compatriots I want to use this post to admonish and dismiss some misconceptions raised on the issue of Biafra which I hope will bridge the understanding for all parties.
My views outlined below may not be popular with my fellow biafrans nevertheless it holds the innate and progressive truth. Here listed:
1. Secession doesn’t translate to War in any Language
Secession is neither a declaration of war or threat. It is just another step in the process of conflict resolution. Any group that tries to demonize with imaginary blood is either a parasite or trouble maker which no one wishes to admit.
Biafrans don’t possess destructive tendencies, any violent outburst is only a natural response to the apparent chokehold by the government on opined throats of freedom seekers.
If I were to be a westerner I would tag this a “black-man clause” because the westerners and asians alike who we borrowed modern civilization from have provided successful cases of secession experiments yet some of us choose to be blind.
Fortunately, in our case we have a softer dispute. Unlike the Israel-Palestine, Sudan or Arab conflicts, our dispute at this stage doesn’t stem from land ownership conflict, resource tussle, etc. All that is involved euphemistically speaking can be likened to a change of governments, change of sovereignty, names, flags etc. Nothing fundamentally sophisticated, so why has the Federal Government of Nigeria chosen to shed the blood of numerous innocent Biafrans if it has not been hijacked by private interest?
2. The South-South is completely Dispensable
I still want to believe BIAFRA is not an Igbo exclusive Project hence I earlier avoided generalizing Biafrans as Igbos, now diversity and individuality has knocked and we have to answer. I have an Igbo Father, an Urhobo Mother. I was born and brought up in Anambra State. Aside paternal relation, I identify strictly as Igbo due to affinity.
The South-South has been synonymous to Igbos for a long while until recently when identity politics became a criteria for political representation in Nigeria which is justifiable in the context of the prevalent nepotic culture. Mutual grounds hasn’t mitigated the widening divide in any way.
We have witnessed biological twins break ties talk less of loose ethnic groups with stints of bad blood in between. It won’t come as a shock if tomorrow a section of Southeast seeks out of the Biafran Plan.
It has become a paradoxical joke that the Igbos who seek freedom from Nigeria have themselves become unity beggars. I won’t agree, we are not and will never be beggars. We were not the ones who claimed abandoned properties in the aftermath of the war. Left with 20 pounds, did we succumb to their impoverishing intent? No. Blessed with natural, human and capital resources we are not left bare, fortunately our “oil” has not become our only bragging right in Nigeria and beyond.
Why then should we begin belittling ourselves , even to the extent of exchanging slurs with these groups, how convincing can our insult be? Will we become what we fight against?
I charge every Igbo to take rejection as a motivation to outperform objectives and expectations, let their denigration revert to praise as was with our bounce back from the war.
To our South-South brethren don’t let the Nigerian Model confine your understanding of governance. Switzerland is a country of at least 7 major ethnic groups (Including groups of Italian, German and French extractions) each represented by a president (7 equal presidents called a Federal Executive Council) unlike a single president whose loyalty might be ambiguous. Just a peek of what a true federal state means for equal representation. Humans are intelligent enough to negotiate. Ya Gazie. “Better a familiar devil than a strange angel”.
3. Landlocked not Brain Locked.
“The worst defeat is of the Mind”
Once again, I point to the Swiss Model. Switzerland is a completely landlocked country in Europe. 22 times smaller than Nigeria and is not resource rich. Yet, Switzerland is the world’s largest commodities trading hub. It controls 35%, 60%, 50% of global Oil, Metals and Sugar & Cereals trade respectively. How is this possible? Excluding gold, the commodities most of which not sourced from Europe never physically enter Switzerland but are transported directly from producing country, processing and entrepot down to final consumer by Swiss companies and their foreign subsidiaries.
In 19th century, the Rothschild family established the first international banking network in Europe, they executed international transactions for royals and merchants without moving physical coins. They achieved this when each brother established a branch of the bank in major economic hubs in Europe, when a transfer is made, the recipient branch records in his ledger that his brother’s branch owes him an amount, when convenient they settle accounts. This practice pioneered an industry, established their influence in Europe and saved them from highway robberies and non-credible partners.
Bringing this back home, God willing, Biafra will not be limited by a coastline. That narrative should be squashed in the mind of every naysayer. Yes, some would say statically, it would take a miracle for a landlocked nation to become an economic hit nevertheless we still believe in the God of 20 pounds from1971 shortly before the indigenization policy where Biafrans were tactically excluded while the rest of Nigeria exclusively scooped up the wealth which Biafrans played a significant role in building . Your expectations are yours and can't stop us.
We have looked inwards enough, I believe it is time to look outwards. If we can be threatened close to home by neighbors, then it’s time to forge alliances and networks far from home. The market is now globalized and broad and we are up to the task. God willing it, lack of opportunities in Nigeria gave us the largest diaspora community from Nigeria. We have a wide distribution of our compatriots around the world right from the hinterlands of Africa to developed economies. A good proportion of which are entrepreneurs rather than domestic workers having enough capital base to make an impact.
Africa is the last frontier. Let’s grow with it. Let’s discard our notorious characteristics, becoming better guests and build on our already established foundational networks by consolidating our wealth for greater impact. A single Axe Head is more effective than a thousand cutlery knives.
Slowly, we’ll liquidate, drain and divert our wealth held in Nigeria. Then and only will our elite be independent of the government’s persecution pressure. Subsequently, political interests will align with the masses then freedom is definitely near.
4. BIAFRA is not a Mission of Hate, Rancor or Supremacy
We are humans too with flesh and blood. No true Biafran can claim supremacy over any tribe, group or entity. We can’t claim Biafra will eventually become a heaven on earth rather it will be easier to bend our own government to our will, such attempt in Nigeria will be seen as an imperialist move.
We also can’t claim to be infallible, perfect or saints. In the past, we made mistakes and miscalculations, which we will be wrong not to admit. Critics say we are the architects of our misfortune, yes we concede but note, the last you should expect is to remain on the ground for people to mock and scorn us. If you feel offended, on behalf of my compatriots I and other well- meaning Biafrans apologize.
The bitter atmosphere is only reflective of the times, desperation and anxiety gets the better of most.
Fellow Biafrans, every step forward should be corrective and calculative in every sense of the word. We are not separating because we hate Fulani, Muslims or any other group, presidency denial or any secondary interest.
We shouldn’t misinterpret the struggle because tomorrow Buhari will leave office, an Igbo can be foisted as Head of State. What next? Rather we secede for the sole sake of Autonomy. We should be able forge our own path and to decide our fate without consulting or patronizing anyone. That is the only way to actualize our maximum potentials.
Let’s prioritize our freedom over miniscule benefits Nigeria might seem to offer.
Look around you today, do you sense hope or despair? Inflation in all sectors especially Food sector, Ardent Corruption, Astronomical Foreign Debt, Negligence and Apathy, Insecurity, Victimization of our People, Marginalization, and widespread Secessionist sentiments. Does it sound like a budding nation bound to thrive or a Worn-Out Contraption rigged to blow. Our Commitment needs to be deeper and our Efforts greater. Salvation is near. If we relent in times of persecution our faith is small. God Wills It and It shall be.
You did well but you got it all wrong by saying "south south" is completely dispensable. You can place "south east" side by side with "south south" but only a dim wit places Igbo, an ethnic group, side by side with a geopolitical zone called south south. Compare Igbo with individual ethnic groups of Eastern region, then will I agree they are dispensable. You cannot boast to your enemy with the artificial limitations same enemy placed on you. You cannot slice off Igbo territories in a pathetic attempt to create an anti Igbo bloc and expect me to accept such bloc.
@ Chigator, these are strong ideas and ideals you have brought up and I must add that it's an afterthought. Yes, you have admitted mistake were made (and definitely continue to be made).
But I hope you realise without unity among the leadership of biafra, you cannot move on. Let me state clear, for you to even move to succeed, first you need unity.
The ideals you have put up there, I can say with 1000% certainly, your current leader MNK does not subscribe to it. Infact, by 2015 when buhari had not appointed ministers or service chiefs yet, he was already in the US asking fellow igbos for weapons to fight the Nigerian govt. This is in addition to the fact that other biafra agitators are calling him out for destroying their works.
Armaggedon: You did well but you got it all wrong by saying "south south" is completely dispensable. You can place "south east" side by side with "south south" but only a dim wit places Igbo, an ethnic group, side by side with a geopolitical zone called south south. Compare Igbo with individual ethnic groups of Eastern region, then will I agree they are dispensable. You cannot boast to your enemy with the artificial limitations same enemy placed on you. You cannot slice off Igbo territories in a pathetic attempt to create an anti Igbo bloc and expect me to accept such bloc.
Your point is not cogent.
The South-South is a collective of various Ethnic Groups, South-East identify as the core Igbo Nation.
Has any ethnic group from the SS chosen to publicly identify with the struggle of BIAFRA. None. Therefore at the moment you can't individualize them.
The South-South is a collective of various Ethnic Groups, South-East identify as the core Igbo Nation.
Good. Compare geopolitical zones or ethnic groups, do not compare a geopolitical zone with an ethnic group. Lack of such clear definition has fundamentally altered the basis of your argument.
Chigator: The following write-up is in no way intended to incite violence, tribalism or provoke any group(s). This is in-line with the UN charter (1945) Article 1 Chapter 1 in support of self-determination by any people and the UDHR Article 19 which accords every human being with the freedom of speech and expression.
MISCONCEPTIONS ON BIAFRA
“A warrior is not defined by his strength or skill but conviction to die for his cause.” The poorly represented populace of the South-East have as a consensus expressed, through various means their deep desire to seek a nationality outside the status quo. I hereby boldly reaffirm my commitment to the actualization of Biafra; God willing in my lifetime.
In light of current events; on behalf of my fellow compatriots I want to use this post to admonish and dismiss some misconceptions raised on the issue of Biafra which I hope will bridge the understanding for all parties.
My views outlined below may not be popular with my fellow biafrans nevertheless it holds the innate and progressive truth. Here listed:
1. Secession doesn’t translate to War in any Language
Secession is neither a declaration of war or threat. It is just another step in the process of conflict resolution. Any group that tries to demonize with imaginary blood is either a parasite or trouble maker which no one wishes to admit.
Biafrans don’t possess destructive tendencies, any violent outburst is only a natural response to the apparent chokehold by the government on opined throats of freedom seekers.
If I were to be a westerner I would tag this a “black-man clause” because the westerners and asians alike who we borrowed modern civilization from have provided successful cases of secession experiments yet some of us choose to be blind.
Fortunately, in our case we have a softer dispute. Unlike the Israel-Palestine, Sudan or Arab conflicts, our dispute at this stage doesn’t stem from land ownership conflict, resource tussle, etc. All that is involved euphemistically speaking can be likened to a change of governments, change of sovereignty, names, flags etc. Nothing fundamentally sophisticated, so why has the Federal Government of Nigeria chosen to shed the blood of numerous innocent Biafrans if it has not been hijacked by private interest?
2. The South-South is completely Dispensable
I still want to believe BIAFRA is not an Igbo exclusive Project hence I earlier avoided generalizing Biafrans as Igbos, now diversity and individuality has knocked and we have to answer. I have an Igbo Father, an Urhobo Mother. I was born and brought up in Anambra State. Aside paternal relation, I identify strictly as Igbo due to affinity.
The South-South has been synonymous to Igbos for a long while until recently when identity politics became a criteria for political representation in Nigeria which is justifiable in the context of the prevalent nepotic culture. Mutual grounds hasn’t mitigated the widening divide in any way.
We have witnessed biological twins break ties talk less of loose ethnic groups with stints of bad blood in between. It won’t come as a shock if tomorrow a section of Southeast seeks out of the Biafran Plan.
It has become a paradoxical joke that the Igbos who seek freedom from Nigeria have themselves become unity beggars. I won’t agree, we are not and will never be beggars. We were not the ones who claimed abandoned properties in the aftermath of the war. Left with 20 pounds, did we succumb to their impoverishing intent? No. Blessed with natural, human and capital resources we are not left bare, fortunately our “oil” has not become our only bragging right in Nigeria and beyond.
Why then should we begin belittling ourselves , even to the extent of exchanging slurs with these groups, how convincing can our insult be? Will we become what we fight against?
I charge every Igbo to take rejection as a motivation to outperform objectives and expectations, let their denigration revert to praise as was with our bounce back from the war.
To our South-South brethren don’t let the Nigerian Model confine your understanding of governance. Switzerland is a country of at least 7 major ethnic groups (Including groups of Italian, German and French extractions) each represented by a president (7 equal presidents called a Federal Executive Council) unlike a single president whose loyalty might be ambiguous. Just a peek of what a true federal state means for equal representation. Humans are intelligent enough to negotiate. Ya Gazie. “Better a familiar devil than a strange angel”.
3. Landlocked not Brain Locked.
“The worst defeat is of the Mind”
Once again, I point to the Swiss Model. Switzerland is a completely landlocked country in Europe. 22 times smaller than Nigeria and is not resource rich. Yet, Switzerland is the world’s largest commodities trading hub. It controls 35%, 60%, 50% of global Oil, Metals and Sugar & Cereals trade respectively. How is this possible? Excluding gold, the commodities most of which not sourced from Europe never physically enter Switzerland but are transported directly from producing country, processing and entrepot down to final consumer by Swiss companies and their foreign subsidiaries.
In 19th century, the Rothschild family established the first international banking network in Europe, they executed international transactions for royals and merchants without moving physical coins. They achieved this when each brother established a branch of the bank in major economic hubs in Europe, when a transfer is made, the recipient branch records in his ledger that his brother’s branch owes him an amount, when convenient they settle accounts. This practice pioneered an industry, established their influence in Europe and saved them from highway robberies and non-credible partners.
Bringing this back home, God willing, Biafra will not be limited by a coastline. That narrative should be squashed in the mind of every naysayer. Yes, some would say statically, it would take a miracle for a landlocked nation to become an economic hit nevertheless we still believe in the God of 20 pounds from1971 shortly before the indigenization policy where Biafrans were tactically excluded while the rest of Nigeria exclusively scooped up the wealth which Biafrans played a significant role in building . Your expectations are yours and can't stop us.
We have looked inwards enough, I believe it is time to look outwards. If we can be threatened close to home by neighbors, then it’s time to forge alliances and networks far from home. The market is now globalized and broad and we are up to the task. God willing it, lack of opportunities in Nigeria gave us the largest diaspora community from Nigeria. We have a wide distribution of our compatriots around the world right from the hinterlands of Africa to developed economies. A good proportion of which are entrepreneurs rather than domestic workers having enough capital base to make an impact.
Africa is the last frontier. Let’s grow with it. Let’s discard our notorious characteristics, becoming better guests and build on our already established foundational networks by consolidating our wealth for greater impact. A single Axe Head is more effective than a thousand cutlery knives.
Slowly, we’ll liquidate, drain and divert our wealth held in Nigeria. Then and only will our elite be independent of the government’s persecution pressure. Subsequently, political interests will align with the masses then freedom is definitely near.
4. BIAFRA is not a Mission of Hate, Rancor or Supremacy
We are humans too with flesh and blood. No true Biafran can claim supremacy over any tribe, group or entity. We can’t claim Biafra will eventually become a heaven on earth rather it will be easier to bend our own government to our will, such attempt in Nigeria will be seen as an imperialist move.
We also can’t claim to be infallible, perfect or saints. In the past, we made mistakes and miscalculations, which we will be wrong not to admit. Critics say we are the architects of our misfortune, yes we concede but note, the last you should expect is to remain on the ground for people to mock and scorn us. If you feel offended, on behalf of my compatriots I and other well- meaning Biafrans apologize.
The bitter atmosphere is only reflective of the times, desperation and anxiety gets the better of most.
Fellow Biafrans, every step forward should be corrective and calculative in every sense of the word. We are not separating because we hate Fulani, Muslims or any other group, presidency denial or any secondary interest.
We shouldn’t misinterpret the struggle because tomorrow Buhari will leave office, an Igbo can be foisted as Head of State. What next? Rather we secede for the sole sake of Autonomy. We should be able forge our own path and to decide our fate without consulting or patronizing anyone. That is the only way to actualize our maximum potentials.
Let’s prioritize our freedom over miniscule benefits Nigeria might seem to offer.
Look around you today, do you sense hope or despair? Inflation in all sectors especially Food sector, Ardent Corruption, Astronomical Foreign Debt, Negligence and Apathy, Insecurity, Victimization of our People, Marginalization, and widespread Secessionist sentiments. Does it sound like a budding nation bound to thrive or a Worn-Out Contraption rigged to blow. Our Commitment needs to be deeper and our Efforts greater. Salvation is near. If we relent in times of persecution our faith is small. God Wills It and It shall be.
Armaggedon: Good. Compare geopolitical zones or ethnic groups, do not compare a geopolitical zone with an ethnic group. Lack of such clear definition has fundamentally altered the basis of your argument.
Your abstraction of the message passed has no practical value. This is not a political science or anthropology thesis. Digest the Message. Thanks
Chigator: The following write-up is in no way intended to incite violence, tribalism or provoke any group(s). This is in-line with the UN charter (1945) Article 1 Chapter 1 in support of self-determination by any people and the UDHR Article 19 which accords every human being with the freedom of speech and expression.
MISCONCEPTIONS ON BIAFRA
“A warrior is not defined by his strength or skill but conviction to die for his cause.” The poorly represented populace of the South-East have as a consensus expressed, through various means their deep desire to seek a nationality outside the status quo. I hereby boldly reaffirm my commitment to the actualization of Biafra; God willing in my lifetime.
In light of current events; on behalf of my fellow compatriots I want to use this post to admonish and dismiss some misconceptions raised on the issue of Biafra which I hope will bridge the understanding for all parties.
My views outlined below may not be popular with my fellow biafrans nevertheless it holds the innate and progressive truth. Here listed:
1. Secession doesn’t translate to War in any Language
Secession is neither a declaration of war or threat. It is just another step in the process of conflict resolution. Any group that tries to demonize with imaginary blood is either a parasite or trouble maker which no one wishes to admit.
Biafrans don’t possess destructive tendencies, any violent outburst is only a natural response to the apparent chokehold by the government on opined throats of freedom seekers.
If I were to be a westerner I would tag this a “black-man clause” because the westerners and asians alike who we borrowed modern civilization from have provided successful cases of secession experiments yet some of us choose to be blind.
Fortunately, in our case we have a softer dispute. Unlike the Israel-Palestine, Sudan or Arab conflicts, our dispute at this stage doesn’t stem from land ownership conflict, resource tussle, etc. All that is involved euphemistically speaking can be likened to a change of governments, change of sovereignty, names, flags etc. Nothing fundamentally sophisticated, so why has the Federal Government of Nigeria chosen to shed the blood of numerous innocent Biafrans if it has not been hijacked by private interest?
2. The South-South is completely Dispensable
I still want to believe BIAFRA is not an Igbo exclusive Project hence I earlier avoided generalizing Biafrans as Igbos, now diversity and individuality has knocked and we have to answer. I have an Igbo Father, an Urhobo Mother. I was born and brought up in Anambra State. Aside paternal relation, I identify strictly as Igbo due to affinity.
The South-South has been synonymous to Igbos for a long while until recently when identity politics became a criteria for political representation in Nigeria which is justifiable in the context of the prevalent nepotic culture. Mutual grounds hasn’t mitigated the widening divide in any way.
We have witnessed biological twins break ties talk less of loose ethnic groups with stints of bad blood in between. It won’t come as a shock if tomorrow a section of Southeast seeks out of the Biafran Plan.
It has become a paradoxical joke that the Igbos who seek freedom from Nigeria have themselves become unity beggars. I won’t agree, we are not and will never be beggars. We were not the ones who claimed abandoned properties in the aftermath of the war. Left with 20 pounds, did we succumb to their impoverishing intent? No. Blessed with natural, human and capital resources we are not left bare, fortunately our “oil” has not become our only bragging right in Nigeria and beyond.
Why then should we begin belittling ourselves , even to the extent of exchanging slurs with these groups, how convincing can our insult be? Will we become what we fight against?
I charge every Igbo to take rejection as a motivation to outperform objectives and expectations, let their denigration revert to praise as was with our bounce back from the war.
To our South-South brethren don’t let the Nigerian Model confine your understanding of governance. Switzerland is a country of at least 7 major ethnic groups (Including groups of Italian, German and French extractions) each represented by a president (7 equal presidents called a Federal Executive Council) unlike a single president whose loyalty might be ambiguous. Just a peek of what a true federal state means for equal representation. Humans are intelligent enough to negotiate. Ya Gazie. “Better a familiar devil than a strange angel”.
3. Landlocked not Brain Locked.
“The worst defeat is of the Mind”
Once again, I point to the Swiss Model. Switzerland is a completely landlocked country in Europe. 22 times smaller than Nigeria and is not resource rich. Yet, Switzerland is the world’s largest commodities trading hub. It controls 35%, 60%, 50% of global Oil, Metals and Sugar & Cereals trade respectively. How is this possible? Excluding gold, the commodities most of which not sourced from Europe never physically enter Switzerland but are transported directly from producing country, processing and entrepot down to final consumer by Swiss companies and their foreign subsidiaries.
In 19th century, the Rothschild family established the first international banking network in Europe, they executed international transactions for royals and merchants without moving physical coins. They achieved this when each brother established a branch of the bank in major economic hubs in Europe, when a transfer is made, the recipient branch records in his ledger that his brother’s branch owes him an amount, when convenient they settle accounts. This practice pioneered an industry, established their influence in Europe and saved them from highway robberies and non-credible partners.
Bringing this back home, God willing, Biafra will not be limited by a coastline. That narrative should be squashed in the mind of every naysayer. Yes, some would say statically, it would take a miracle for a landlocked nation to become an economic hit nevertheless we still believe in the God of 20 pounds from1971 shortly before the indigenization policy where Biafrans were tactically excluded while the rest of Nigeria exclusively scooped up the wealth which Biafrans played a significant role in building . Your expectations are yours and can't stop us.
We have looked inwards enough, I believe it is time to look outwards. If we can be threatened close to home by neighbors, then it’s time to forge alliances and networks far from home. The market is now globalized and broad and we are up to the task. God willing it, lack of opportunities in Nigeria gave us the largest diaspora community from Nigeria. We have a wide distribution of our compatriots around the world right from the hinterlands of Africa to developed economies. A good proportion of which are entrepreneurs rather than domestic workers having enough capital base to make an impact.
Africa is the last frontier. Let’s grow with it. Let’s discard our notorious characteristics, becoming better guests and build on our already established foundational networks by consolidating our wealth for greater impact. A single Axe Head is more effective than a thousand cutlery knives.
Slowly, we’ll liquidate, drain and divert our wealth held in Nigeria. Then and only will our elite be independent of the government’s persecution pressure. Subsequently, political interests will align with the masses then freedom is definitely near.
4. BIAFRA is not a Mission of Hate, Rancor or Supremacy
We are humans too with flesh and blood. No true Biafran can claim supremacy over any tribe, group or entity. We can’t claim Biafra will eventually become a heaven on earth rather it will be easier to bend our own government to our will, such attempt in Nigeria will be seen as an imperialist move.
We also can’t claim to be infallible, perfect or saints. In the past, we made mistakes and miscalculations, which we will be wrong not to admit. Critics say we are the architects of our misfortune, yes we concede but note, the last you should expect is to remain on the ground for people to mock and scorn us. If you feel offended, on behalf of my compatriots I and other well- meaning Biafrans apologize.
The bitter atmosphere is only reflective of the times, desperation and anxiety gets the better of most.
Fellow Biafrans, every step forward should be corrective and calculative in every sense of the word. We are not separating because we hate Fulani, Muslims or any other group, presidency denial or any secondary interest.
We shouldn’t misinterpret the struggle because tomorrow Buhari will leave office, an Igbo can be foisted as Head of State. What next? Rather we secede for the sole sake of Autonomy. We should be able forge our own path and to decide our fate without consulting or patronizing anyone. That is the only way to actualize our maximum potentials.
Let’s prioritize our freedom over miniscule benefits Nigeria might seem to offer.
Look around you today, do you sense hope or despair? Inflation in all sectors especially Food sector, Ardent Corruption, Astronomical Foreign Debt, Negligence and Apathy, Insecurity, Victimization of our People, Marginalization, and widespread Secessionist sentiments. Does it sound like a budding nation bound to thrive or a Worn-Out Contraption rigged to blow. Our Commitment needs to be deeper and our Efforts greater. Salvation is near. If we relent in times of persecution our faith is small. God Wills It and It shall be.
rottennaija: @ Chigator, these are strong ideas and ideals you have brought up and I must add that it's an afterthought. Yes, you have admitted mistake were made (and definitely continue to be made).
But I hope you realise without unity among the leadership of biafra, you cannot move on. Let me state clear, for you to even move to succeed, first you need unity.
The ideals you have put up there, I can say with 1000% certainly, your current leader MNK does not subscribe to it. Infact, by 2015 when buhari had not appointed ministers or service chiefs yet, he was already in the US asking fellow igbos for weapons to fight the Nigerian govt. This is in addition to the fact that other biafra agitators are calling him out for destroying their works.
A call for secession is not a war declaration yet the heart of the wicked man is bent on wickedness.
Why do you subject a people to unnecessary torment and persecution simply because they have made up their minds.
Armed struggle is not the best solution and should not be the first option. Nevertheless, it can never be over looked.
Even Niccolo Machiavelli acknowledged that an Unarmed Prophet is prone to defeat. You can not battle a Lion in the form of a Sheep.
The only problem is the approach to violence. A militia is not a suitable opponent to a full fledged state military. I will end here, the rest is strategically redacted.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a true leader and has so far acted in the confines of what he has been provided with by the FG.
Would we be here if a referendum had been granted in 2017/18, he was arrested, incarcerated and hunted for speaking the mind of the people which should be the duty of the legislature who have unfortunately been bought out by their own greed and enemies.
Still, No man is above the people and the struggle.
The Nigerian Youths have fallen into the same delusion that Nigeria can be fixed by marching on the streets, voting or worst of all tweeting trends
You decide to Vote, they position corrupt puppets in all slots.
You decide to march, they shoot you dead on the streets like a dog.
You decide to tweet, they proscribe your social media.
What next, they have clench their corrupt fists on hope of a restructured, equal and progressive Nigeria and you imagine that your soft approach will make them relinquish their ill gotten benefits. Keep dreaming.
Infact why fight for a dead and buried case, when you can build anew in the land of your true nationality. Break Nigeria now.
A call for secession is not a war declaration yet the heart of the wicked man is bent on wickedness.
Why do you subject a people to unnecessary torment and persecution simply because they have made up their minds.
Armed struggle is not the best solution and should not be the first option. Nevertheless, it can never be over looked.
Even Niccolo Machiavelli acknowledged that an Unarmed Prophet is prone to defeat. You can not battle a Lion in the form of a Sheep.
The only problem is the approach to violence. A militia is not a suitable opponent to a full fledged state military. I will end here, the rest is strategically redacted.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a true leader and has so far acted in the confines of what he has been provided with by the FG.
Would we be here if a referendum had been granted in 2017/18, he was arrested, incarcerated and hunted for speaking the mind of the people which should be the duty of the legislature who have unfortunately been bought out by their own greed and enemies.
Still, No man is above the people and the struggle.
You are talking in circles hoping to deceive those you can't. He was arrested in 2017/2018 when he was already importing arms into the country. As I had said earlier, he went to the US and asked the igbos to give them guns. This was 2015 August. The video is there in YouTube.
There is no leadership in Nnamdi Kanu. He is a fraud who is deceiving igbos with big grammars. Leaders fights in the front, cowards runs. The likes of Nelson Mandela, Alexei Navalny people you see in the front. They are leaders no cowards who didn't even see the errors of mourning his dog when hundreds of his misled followers died because of him.
You are talking in circles hoping to deceive those you can't. He was arrested in 2017/2018 when he was already importing arms into the country. As I had said earlier, he went to the US and asked the igbos to give them guns. This was 2015 August. The video is there in YouTube.
There is no leadership in Nnamdi Kanu. He is a fraud who is deceiving igbos with big grammars. Leaders fights in the front, cowards runs. The likes of Nelson Mandela, Alexei Navalny people you see in the front. They are leaders no cowards who didn't even see the errors of mourning his dog when hundreds of his misled followers died because of him.
So has Mazi Nnamdi Kanu become the pivot for your argument against BIAFRA.
BIAFRA is way bigger than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We know it and he knows it. If MNK is the reason you are against BIAFRA freedom then know you have failed from the beginning.
The death of our fathers in 1967/70 has not stopped us from sacrificing our lives with courage and conviction for our homeland. BIAFRA will be acheived at whatever cost. Take that home.
Lovely article and I wish I knew the writers name, he said everything that I have been, igbos leaves ijaws along and leave other so called South South tribes alone
Get out from here and go and start your own forum.
is there no one amongst you that can build a website?
Are you all spare parts dealers and thuggish school dropouts with no ambition?
You're not Nigerians, so get out.
By right you should all be banned from this forum. You've no business here.
"Spare Parts Dealers and Thuggish School Dropouts" have become your source of headache. Pele maybe you should buy PARACETAMOL from EMZOR Pharmaceutical Industries.
I've got a lot of things to fault these points you raise, but it won't matter in the end. I only wish this Biafra thing will be actualised in my lifetime. I don't see it happening though; the whole thing about the Biafra thing had been got wrong already. But Nigeria as a whole needs to be broken into at least four different countries. But for now, Biafran agitators are going about it in all the wrong ways. I don't even take them serious. But this your attempt, despite been laced with all the typical IPOB falsehood and propaganda, is a step in the right direction. Nigeria is not a failed nation, and we will be better together. But with the way each people are propagating hatred for all other people, separation is our only deserved punishment. We all don't deserve Nigeria. We are not worthy of this great nation.
So has Mazi Nnamdi Kanu become the pivot for your argument against BIAFRA.
BIAFRA is way bigger than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We know it and he knows it. If MNK is the reason you are against BIAFRA freedom then know you have failed from the beginning.
The death of our fathers in 1967/70 has not stopped us from sacrificing our lives with courage and conviction for our homeland. BIAFRA will be acheived at whatever cost. Take that home.
Casham: I've got a lot of things to fault these points you raise, but it won't matter in the end. I only wish this Biafra thing will be actualised in my lifetime. I don't see it happening though; the whole thing about the Biafra thing had been got wrong already. But Nigeria as a whole needs to be broken into at least four different countries. But for now, Biafran agitators are going about it in all the wrong ways. I don't even take them serious. But this your attempt, despite been laced with all the typical IPOB falsehood and propaganda, is a step in the right direction. Nigeria is not a failed nation, and we will be better together. But with the way each people are propagating hatred for all other people, separation is our only deserved punishment. We all don't deserve Nigeria. We are not worthy of this great nation.
Don't be delusional. There was/is nothing great about NIGERIA. It is a colonial abomination cobbled together by British for sole aim of exploitation of its inhabitants and named at the throes of ejaculatory passion by a British colonial thief during a romp with his girlfriend. Nigeria is a disgrace. A Frankenstein monster of a country, an anomaly that shouldn't exist.
OP. I couldn't fault a single word from your posts. Apt and straight to the point.
1. SS is dispensable in the Biafran struggle
2. Ndiigbo must jettison minorities if that is what it takes to move this noble commission of bequeathing unborn generations of Igbos a befitting country to call home, to a positive conclusion
3. Ndiigbo must not become what we despise, ie Unity beggars.
4. In national building, it's not the size of sea coasts that matters. It's the size of available human resources as well as the availability of visionary and altruistic leadership to steer it to purpose that matters.
5. Biafra is not about hate for non Igbos (aka Nigerians) its about Igbo wish to rule our destiny and not have to bend to whims and caprices of alien groups and subsequently get weighed down in the process. We are not saying we are superior to other groups. We are just saying we believe that we are better of without Nigerians.
6. Biafra is beyond IPOB and MNK, just as it proved beyond Ojukwu. Anyone measuring BIAFRA with MNK and IPOB actions or inactions is shortsighted. BIAFRA is the heartbeat of Igbo nationalism and every Igbo man is a king and hence, in every Igbo man is a Biafran leader.
7. It doesn't matter what you (Nigerians) do or don't do. Biafra is beyond you and your little hate, envy, emotions or whatever. Biafra WILL come. Know this and know peace.
